The second annual Shortcuts short film contest is underway! Shortcuts is designed to encourage filmmakers across the state to explore and showcase their creativity and short filmmaking skills. Shortcuts is open to all Illinois residents over the age of 18 and students over the age of 18 who attend Illinois colleges and universities. The winning entry will receive a cash prize and the winning film will screen during the Chicago International Film Festival.
Participants may use any format- film, video, graphics and/or animation- to tell a narrative story, a documentary or free form visual expression of ideas. Submissions must be 15 minutes or less in running time. Entries will be judged by a panel of film industry professionals. Submissions must be postmarked by June 30, 2009.
Click here for a copy of the rules & application.
2008 Shortcuts Contest Winner
Betsy Steinberg, Managing Director of the Illinois Film Office and Shortcuts winner Larry Ziegelman
The Illinois Film Office is proud to present the winner of the first annual Shortcuts short film contest. Congratulations to Larry Ziegelman for his short film “Check Please,” a darkly humorous portrayal of a family dinner gone awry. The film was screened on Monday, October 20th as part of the Chicago International Film Festival shorts program.
Ziegelman, was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Washington University and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Communications with an emphasis in Art Direction. Ziegelman is now an Associate Creative Director at DDB Chicago. He has received numerous awards for his Superbowl work, including Cannes Bronze Lion, two Cannes Finalist Certificates, the Yahoo! Big Idea Award, the London International Festival, and Adweek’s Best Commercials of February.